Best Value BSW Colleges in Tennessee 2026

At #70 for value, Union University's BSW program isn't the most budget-friendly option. Still, it's worth checking if other factors like fieldwork placements or campus resources tip the scale.

After aid, students still pay around $28,452 per year — more than many comparable programs. Union University provides an average of $30,120 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. The borrowing rate of 42.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

Lipscomb University ranks #76 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

After aid, students still pay around $27,695 per year — more than many comparable programs. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $28,645 per student. A loan rate of 29.0% means fewer graduates start their social work careers weighed down by debt.

At #81 for value, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's BSW program isn't the most budget-friendly option. Still, it's worth checking if other factors like fieldwork placements or campus resources tip the scale.

After aid, students still pay around $21,648 per year — more than many comparable programs. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville provides an average of $11,434 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. With just 29.0% of students borrowing, the loan burden here is lighter than at most schools.

Milligan University ranks #98 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

At $21,165 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. With average aid of $31,220, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. Around 45.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

Belmont University comes in at #99 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The value proposition is more modest here, but cost isn't everything — location and program fit matter too.

The net price of $38,578 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $23,992 per student. About 34.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

Freed-Hardeman University ranks #103 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

At $20,178 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. With average aid of $18,074, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. The borrowing rate of 34.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

Middle Tennessee State University ranks #183 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

The net price of $13,859 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $10,665 per student. A loan rate of 28.0% means fewer graduates start their social work careers weighed down by debt.

Southern Adventist University ranks #215 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

The net price of $25,753 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $12,904 per student. The borrowing rate of 42.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

At #218 for value, University of Memphis's BSW program isn't the most budget-friendly option. Still, it's worth checking if other factors like fieldwork placements or campus resources tip the scale.

At $12,756 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $11,793 per student. The borrowing rate of 38.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

The University of Tennessee-Martin ranks #226 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

Expect to pay around $11,955 per year after aid, which is in line with the average for BSW programs. With average aid of $10,861, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. Around 31.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

At #237 for value, Trevecca Nazarene University's BSW program isn't the most budget-friendly option. Still, it's worth checking if other factors like fieldwork placements or campus resources tip the scale.

After aid, students still pay around $18,035 per year — more than many comparable programs. Trevecca Nazarene University provides an average of $23,911 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. About 39.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

Lincoln Memorial University ranks #239 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

At $21,447 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. Lincoln Memorial University provides an average of $20,081 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. Around 50.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

East Tennessee State University ranks #255 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

The net price of $16,286 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $10,101 per student. Around 34.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

Austin Peay State University comes in at #313 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The value proposition is more modest here, but cost isn't everything — location and program fit matter too.

Expect to pay around $9,882 per year after aid, which is in line with the average for BSW programs. With average aid of $11,290, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. Around 34.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

At #334 for value, Tennessee Wesleyan University's BSW program isn't the most budget-friendly option. Still, it's worth checking if other factors like fieldwork placements or campus resources tip the scale.

At $15,125 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. Tennessee Wesleyan University provides an average of $24,692 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. The borrowing rate of 52.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga ranks #382 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

The net price of $15,347 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga provides an average of $10,038 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. Around 37.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

King University ranks #453 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

The net price of $22,748 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. King University provides an average of $26,366 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. The borrowing rate of 55.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

At #539 for value, Le Moyne-Owen College's BSW program isn't the most budget-friendly option. Still, it's worth checking if other factors like fieldwork placements or campus resources tip the scale.

After financial aid, students pay an average of $6,542 per year — a reasonable cost for a BSW degree. Le Moyne-Owen College provides an average of $12,222 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. Around 54.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

At #556 for value, Tennessee State University's BSW program isn't the most budget-friendly option. Still, it's worth checking if other factors like fieldwork placements or campus resources tip the scale.

After aid, students still pay around $14,586 per year — more than many comparable programs. With average aid of $9,661, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. Around 46.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.